Walker expected to name Harsdorf ag secretary

State Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R-River Falls, reportedly will be named state agriculture secretary by Gov. Scott Walker.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, citing three sources familiar with the plans, has reported Harsdorf will be Walker’s choice for the post.

Harsdorf, who has confirmed she has discussed the job with the governor, would replace Ben Brancel, who retired in August as secretary of the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

A spokeswoman for Harsdorf declined to comment Thursday, saying any such announcement would have to come from the governor’s office. An email to the governor’s spokesman Thursday afternoon went unanswered.

Harsdorf, 61, has represented the 10th Senate District since 2001. Her current term runs through January 2021. She previously served in the Assembly from 1989-97.

Her brother Jim Harsdorf served under former Gov. Scott McCallum as Wisconsin’s agriculture secretary from 2001 to 2003.